The Trump administration has vowed to make commercial engagement the centerpiece of a new United States policy toward Africa. Prioritizing “trade, not aid” in the US-Africa relationship is not a new idea. But previous administrations have tried and failed to make the pivot.Success will require a deeper commitment and understanding of the African investment landscape. Hudson’s Joshua Meservey will host a panel of investors with decades of collective experience in Africa. They will reflect on their experiences to offer lessons for future African investments, discuss what the US government can do to better support US investment into Africa, and examine how African governments can attract more external investment.
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1:07:29
An Afrikaner Perspective on US–South Africa Relations
The Afrikaner community of South Africa has received significant news coverage in the United States since President Donald Trump announced he would grant members of the group refugee status. This and other issues related to the Afrikaners have been key stressors in the US–South Africa relationship and were major points of discussion between Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during their recent meeting in the Oval Office.Join Senior Fellow Joshua Meservey for a panel discussion with the delegation.
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1:33:42
Colombia’s Critical Moment: A Conversation with Enrique Peñalosa
The recent assassination attempt against senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay and subsequent violence highlight Colombia’s deepening political polarization—a trend exacerbated by President Gustavo Petro’s divisive rhetoric and governing approach.Petro’s confrontational approach has met significant legislative opposition, with Colombia’s Congress voting down several structural reforms. Recently, the Colombian Senate blocked Petro’s proposed national referendum on labor laws, though the president continues to pursue the measure. Meanwhile, Colombia faces mounting challenges: coca production has surged to record levels, criminal organizations have expanded their territorial control, and the country’s fiscal deficit is growing.Enrique Peñalosa, who served two terms as mayor of Bogotá and is a pre-candidate for the country’s presidency, will join Hudson’s Daniel Batlle to examine Colombia’s political environment and discuss how to resolve the country’s legislative gridlock.
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57:36
Risky Business: How Chinese Companies Use Hong Kong to Evade US Sanctions
The Chinese Communist Party is using Hong Kong as a financial gateway to evade the United States’ sanctions and funnel global investment to mainland companies. Chinese firms increasingly list themselves on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, often to avoid the scrutiny required by US markets. This means that American investors may be unknowingly funding sanctioned entities or firms tied to human rights abuses. Americans could therefore face undue legal and reputational risks, especially as US-China tensions grow.Join Hudson for an event examining new research about how Beijing exploits Hong Kong’s unique position and why economic and political developments on the island matter for US policymakers and the interests of Americans.
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1:02:26
Defending in Outer Space: A Conversation with Congressman Jeff Crank
Americans rely on satellites for everyday needs like banking, communications, and weather assessments. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense uses space assets for command and control, navigation, and missile attack detection. The protection of space-based equipment is therefore imperative for the security of the United States and the American way of life. But Russia and China have been actively developing and deploying weapons to target US and allied assets in space.Join Hudson Senior Fellow Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, the director of Hudson’s Keystone Defense Initiative, and Congressman Jeff Crank (R-CO), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, for a conversation about the threats to American satellites and the policies and programs necessary to defend US interests in space.
Founded in 1961 by strategist Herman Kahn, Hudson Institute challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, energy, technology, culture, and law.
Hudson seeks to guide policymakers and global leaders in government and business through a robust program of publications, conferences, policy briefings, and recommendations.
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